From the last 2 blogs on loose leash walking, you’ll recall that teaching dogs to walk on loose leash is all about: Rewarding Fido with treats at first (bits of Fido’s meal) for heeling next to you and also rewarding Fido by walking quickly enough (at least 120 bpm using a metronome or 2 steps…

Teaching dogs to walk on loose leash is all about: Rewarding with treats (bits of Fido’s meal) for heeling next to you and also rewarding Fido by walking quickly enough (at least 120 beats per minute [bpm] using a metronome or 2 steps a second) to make the walk engaging.      Stopping as soon…

You’ve probably heard the talk about how humans with dogs are healthier because they exercise more. A number of scientific studies support this statement; however, what those articles fail to mention is that if your dog drags you, lunges, or tangles you in the leash, those walks may not be that fun. To improve your…

It’s the New Year and no doubt many have vowed to exercise and get into shape.  But when you wake up in the morning do you look at your dog and feel guilty that you’re working out instead of playing with him? Well, here’s a short and easy indoor workout routine that includes treats and…

Animal trainers, teachers, pet owners, and parents who are new to science-based teaching often ask if there is proof that positive reinforcement works better than aversives as if the research doesn’t exist. Hundreds of studies have been performed that have revealed many adverse effects of punishment. And in The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes,…

Question Hello, I am currently fostering two littermate chocolate labs. They are sisters, 5 years old. A family purchased them together, but they were not trained or conditioned to be independent of each other. As a result they are bonded so strongly that I consider it unhealthy. They cry and whine when separated, and they are…